Things you should not microwave

Things you should not microwave

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Bread

Although there is no danger to microwaving bread, you will most likely end up with a ruined piece of bread you will not want to eat. When bread is microwaved for more than roughly ten seconds, enough moisture leaves the bread to leave it stale, hard, and chewy. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Mdreibelbis

4 of 21

Hot Peppers

Although the hot peppers can withstand the heat of the microwave, an active ingredient called capsaicin which makes the peppers spicy becomes vaporized during the microwaving process and when you open the microwave this can waft into your face which is very inpleasant. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: waferboard

5 of 21

Chinese Takeout Containers

Although Chinese takeout containers are convenient for eating leftover chinese food without dirtying dishes, they should not be microwaved due to their metal handles. When any metal is microwaved, even the little amount found on the handles, they can start fires. Put your leftover Chinese food into a bowl and then microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Brad. K

6 of 21

Breast Milk

Microwaving frozen breast milk can cause the milk to warm unevenly which could create some spots that are scalding hot for the sensitive mouths that will be drinking the milk. Furthermore the method of defrosting in the microwave has the potential for destroying some of the breast milk's immune-boosting proteins which benefit children. Another option would be to microwave a mug of water, and then place the bottle of breast milk into the warmed mug to help it rise to a warmer temperature. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: acme

7 of 21

Plastic Containers

Plastic leftover containers can contain estrogen-like chemicals that can leach into your food from the plastic surrounding them is heated. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, 95 percent of the 450 plastic products tested had released estrogen-acting chemicals after they had been microwaved, washed in a dishwasher, or soaked in water. The best solution for this is to transfer your food to a plate before heating in the microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: armigeress

8 of 21

Styrofoam Containers

Styrofoam containers when heated in a microwave can release harmful chemicals into your food that you then consume. Similar to plastic containers, a good alternative is to put your food on a plate and then heat. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: BrokenSphere

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Certain Plates

Fancy china, or even metallic-trimmed dinnerware can contain miniscule tracings of metal, which could still react in the microwave when heated. Take the extra precaution and heat the food on a different plate, then transfer to your other plate that could contain tracings of metal in it's designs. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Magnus Manske

10 of 21

Travel Mugs

Stainless steel travel mugs are designed to block heat from warming your beverage and can in turn damage your microwave. If the mug is plastic, you should check the bottom of the mug to see if it's marked as microwave safe. Even if the mug is deemed microwave safe, it would be best to microwave your coffee in a regular coffee cup, then move back to the travel mug. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Martin Cooper Ipswich

11 of 21

Paper Bags

Paper lunch bags are typically not sanitary, and they can cause a fire or emit toxic fumes when microwaved. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Jeffrey Beall

12 of 21

Sponges

While it is true that if you microwave a sponge for roughly thirty seconds it will kill off most of the bacteria on the sponge, it will also leave your kitchen smelling bad. Sponges are relatively cheap and should be thrown out and replaced often instead of trying to prolong their life. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

13 of 21

Nothing

If nothing is present in your microwave and you turn it on, the magnetron which makes the microwave function can end up absorbing the microwaves being transmitted instead of food or liquid, which can damage the microwave and start a fire. Although it may seem odd to turn on the microwave with nothing in it, this could happen if you go to use the timer on the microwave and accidentally turn it on. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: SmartGoat

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Decorative Cups

Mugs that were made before the 1960s have the potential to contain material that could give off radiation and may contain lead or other harmful metals. While these mugs may look nice, they are best left to decoration and not actual use. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fae

16 of 21

Frozen Meats

Defrosting meat in the microwave may seem like a good idea, but the meat will defrost unevenly. The uneven distribution of the heat can cause some portions of the meat to cook while other are frozen, which can allow bacteria to grow. Instead you should plan ahead and defrost meat in the fridge overnight the day before you will be cooking the meat for your meal. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: stevendepolo

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17 of 21

Things That Are Labeled "Microwave Safe"

Although something may be labeled as "Microwave Safe" this only means that it can be microwaved without damaging it or the microwave. Manufacturers are not required to test to ensure safety after heating, which is why many people burn themselves on ceramic dishware. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: cote

18 of 21

One-Time Use Plastic Containers

Yogurt containers, and other one-time use plastic containers such as margarine, sour cream, etc should not be microwaved as they are intended for one time use and are not equipped to withstand the heat produced by the microwave. These containers can warp, or melt and release chemicals into your food. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: BobMical

19 of 21

Fruit

Microwaving fruit is not recommended because the intense heat of the microwave can cause the juicy fruit to burn or even implode. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: USDAgov

20 of 21

Hard Boiled Eggs

While the prospect of reducing cooking time on items in a microwave is appealing, unfortunately some foods need to be cooked in longer, slower manners. If you try to cook a hard boiled egg in the microwave, you will likely end up with a large mess, or even burned fingers. The rapid cooking process of the microwave creates steam in the egg, which has nowhere to escape and can explode. An exploded egg is difficult to clean up and should be avoided alltogether. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: RatRanch

21 of 21

iPhone

When the iPhone 6 was released in September 2014 rumors circulated that the new device included a microwave-charging feature called "Wave." This hoax was circulated on the internet and was completely false, as microwaving your iPhone could in fact lead to a fire in your microwave. (Source: PCMag)

Although there is no danger to microwaving bread, you will most likely end up with a ruined piece of bread you will not want to eat. When bread is microwaved for more than roughly ten seconds, enough moisture leaves the bread to leave it stale, hard, and chewy. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Mdreibelbis

Hot Peppers

Although the hot peppers can withstand the heat of the microwave, an active ingredient called capsaicin which makes the peppers spicy becomes vaporized during the microwaving process and when you open the microwave this can waft into your face which is very inpleasant. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: waferboard

Chinese Takeout Containers

Although Chinese takeout containers are convenient for eating leftover chinese food without dirtying dishes, they should not be microwaved due to their metal handles. When any metal is microwaved, even the little amount found on the handles, they can start fires. Put your leftover Chinese food into a bowl and then microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Brad. K

Breast Milk

Microwaving frozen breast milk can cause the milk to warm unevenly which could create some spots that are scalding hot for the sensitive mouths that will be drinking the milk. Furthermore the method of defrosting in the microwave has the potential for destroying some of the breast milk's immune-boosting proteins which benefit children. Another option would be to microwave a mug of water, and then place the bottle of breast milk into the warmed mug to help it rise to a warmer temperature. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: acme

Plastic Containers

Plastic leftover containers can contain estrogen-like chemicals that can leach into your food from the plastic surrounding them is heated. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, 95 percent of the 450 plastic products tested had released estrogen-acting chemicals after they had been microwaved, washed in a dishwasher, or soaked in water. The best solution for this is to transfer your food to a plate before heating in the microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: armigeress

Styrofoam Containers

Styrofoam containers when heated in a microwave can release harmful chemicals into your food that you then consume. Similar to plastic containers, a good alternative is to put your food on a plate and then heat. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: BrokenSphere

Certain Plates

Fancy china, or even metallic-trimmed dinnerware can contain miniscule tracings of metal, which could still react in the microwave when heated. Take the extra precaution and heat the food on a different plate, then transfer to your other plate that could contain tracings of metal in it's designs. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Magnus Manske

Travel Mugs

Stainless steel travel mugs are designed to block heat from warming your beverage and can in turn damage your microwave. If the mug is plastic, you should check the bottom of the mug to see if it's marked as microwave safe. Even if the mug is deemed microwave safe, it would be best to microwave your coffee in a regular coffee cup, then move back to the travel mug. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Martin Cooper Ipswich

Paper Bags

Paper lunch bags are typically not sanitary, and they can cause a fire or emit toxic fumes when microwaved. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Jeffrey Beall

Sponges

While it is true that if you microwave a sponge for roughly thirty seconds it will kill off most of the bacteria on the sponge, it will also leave your kitchen smelling bad. Sponges are relatively cheap and should be thrown out and replaced often instead of trying to prolong their life. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

Nothing

If nothing is present in your microwave and you turn it on, the magnetron which makes the microwave function can end up absorbing the microwaves being transmitted instead of food or liquid, which can damage the microwave and start a fire. Although it may seem odd to turn on the microwave with nothing in it, this could happen if you go to use the timer on the microwave and accidentally turn it on. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: SmartGoat

Decorative Cups

Mugs that were made before the 1960s have the potential to contain material that could give off radiation and may contain lead or other harmful metals. While these mugs may look nice, they are best left to decoration and not actual use. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fae

Frozen Meats

Defrosting meat in the microwave may seem like a good idea, but the meat will defrost unevenly. The uneven distribution of the heat can cause some portions of the meat to cook while other are frozen, which can allow bacteria to grow. Instead you should plan ahead and defrost meat in the fridge overnight the day before you will be cooking the meat for your meal. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: stevendepolo

Things That Are Labeled "Microwave Safe"

Although something may be labeled as "Microwave Safe" this only means that it can be microwaved without damaging it or the microwave. Manufacturers are not required to test to ensure safety after heating, which is why many people burn themselves on ceramic dishware. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: cote

One-Time Use Plastic Containers

Yogurt containers, and other one-time use plastic containers such as margarine, sour cream, etc should not be microwaved as they are intended for one time use and are not equipped to withstand the heat produced by the microwave. These containers can warp, or melt and release chemicals into your food. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: BobMical

Fruit

Microwaving fruit is not recommended because the intense heat of the microwave can cause the juicy fruit to burn or even implode. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: USDAgov

Hard Boiled Eggs

While the prospect of reducing cooking time on items in a microwave is appealing, unfortunately some foods need to be cooked in longer, slower manners. If you try to cook a hard boiled egg in the microwave, you will likely end up with a large mess, or even burned fingers. The rapid cooking process of the microwave creates steam in the egg, which has nowhere to escape and can explode. An exploded egg is difficult to clean up and should be avoided alltogether. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: RatRanch

iPhone

When the iPhone 6 was released in September 2014 rumors circulated that the new device included a microwave-charging feature called "Wave." This hoax was circulated on the internet and was completely false, as microwaving your iPhone could in fact lead to a fire in your microwave. (Source: PCMag)

Although there is no danger to microwaving bread, you will most likely end up with a ruined piece of bread you will not want to eat. When bread is microwaved for more than roughly ten seconds, enough moisture leaves the bread to leave it stale, hard, and chewy. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Mdreibelbis

Hot Peppers

Although the hot peppers can withstand the heat of the microwave, an active ingredient called capsaicin which makes the peppers spicy becomes vaporized during the microwaving process and when you open the microwave this can waft into your face which is very inpleasant. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: waferboard

Chinese Takeout Containers

Although Chinese takeout containers are convenient for eating leftover chinese food without dirtying dishes, they should not be microwaved due to their metal handles. When any metal is microwaved, even the little amount found on the handles, they can start fires. Put your leftover Chinese food into a bowl and then microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Brad. K

Breast Milk

Microwaving frozen breast milk can cause the milk to warm unevenly which could create some spots that are scalding hot for the sensitive mouths that will be drinking the milk. Furthermore the method of defrosting in the microwave has the potential for destroying some of the breast milk's immune-boosting proteins which benefit children. Another option would be to microwave a mug of water, and then place the bottle of breast milk into the warmed mug to help it rise to a warmer temperature. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: acme

Plastic Containers

Plastic leftover containers can contain estrogen-like chemicals that can leach into your food from the plastic surrounding them is heated. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, 95 percent of the 450 plastic products tested had released estrogen-acting chemicals after they had been microwaved, washed in a dishwasher, or soaked in water. The best solution for this is to transfer your food to a plate before heating in the microwave. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: armigeress

Styrofoam Containers

Styrofoam containers when heated in a microwave can release harmful chemicals into your food that you then consume. Similar to plastic containers, a good alternative is to put your food on a plate and then heat. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: BrokenSphere

Certain Plates

Fancy china, or even metallic-trimmed dinnerware can contain miniscule tracings of metal, which could still react in the microwave when heated. Take the extra precaution and heat the food on a different plate, then transfer to your other plate that could contain tracings of metal in it's designs. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons: Magnus Manske

Travel Mugs

Stainless steel travel mugs are designed to block heat from warming your beverage and can in turn damage your microwave. If the mug is plastic, you should check the bottom of the mug to see if it's marked as microwave safe. Even if the mug is deemed microwave safe, it would be best to microwave your coffee in a regular coffee cup, then move back to the travel mug. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Martin Cooper Ipswich

Paper Bags

Paper lunch bags are typically not sanitary, and they can cause a fire or emit toxic fumes when microwaved. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Jeffrey Beall

Sponges

While it is true that if you microwave a sponge for roughly thirty seconds it will kill off most of the bacteria on the sponge, it will also leave your kitchen smelling bad. Sponges are relatively cheap and should be thrown out and replaced often instead of trying to prolong their life. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: the Original Muddog

Nothing

If nothing is present in your microwave and you turn it on, the magnetron which makes the microwave function can end up absorbing the microwaves being transmitted instead of food or liquid, which can damage the microwave and start a fire. Although it may seem odd to turn on the microwave with nothing in it, this could happen if you go to use the timer on the microwave and accidentally turn it on. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: SmartGoat

Decorative Cups

Mugs that were made before the 1960s have the potential to contain material that could give off radiation and may contain lead or other harmful metals. While these mugs may look nice, they are best left to decoration and not actual use. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Fae

Frozen Meats

Defrosting meat in the microwave may seem like a good idea, but the meat will defrost unevenly. The uneven distribution of the heat can cause some portions of the meat to cook while other are frozen, which can allow bacteria to grow. Instead you should plan ahead and defrost meat in the fridge overnight the day before you will be cooking the meat for your meal. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: stevendepolo

Things That Are Labeled "Microwave Safe"

Although something may be labeled as "Microwave Safe" this only means that it can be microwaved without damaging it or the microwave. Manufacturers are not required to test to ensure safety after heating, which is why many people burn themselves on ceramic dishware. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: cote

One-Time Use Plastic Containers

Yogurt containers, and other one-time use plastic containers such as margarine, sour cream, etc should not be microwaved as they are intended for one time use and are not equipped to withstand the heat produced by the microwave. These containers can warp, or melt and release chemicals into your food. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: BobMical

Fruit

Microwaving fruit is not recommended because the intense heat of the microwave can cause the juicy fruit to burn or even implode. (Source: The Daily Meal)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: USDAgov

Hard Boiled Eggs

While the prospect of reducing cooking time on items in a microwave is appealing, unfortunately some foods need to be cooked in longer, slower manners. If you try to cook a hard boiled egg in the microwave, you will likely end up with a large mess, or even burned fingers. The rapid cooking process of the microwave creates steam in the egg, which has nowhere to escape and can explode. An exploded egg is difficult to clean up and should be avoided alltogether. (Source: Reader's Digest)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: RatRanch

iPhone

When the iPhone 6 was released in September 2014 rumors circulated that the new device included a microwave-charging feature called "Wave." This hoax was circulated on the internet and was completely false, as microwaving your iPhone could in fact lead to a fire in your microwave. (Source: PCMag)

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Janitors

Things you should not microwave

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Updated: 2:02 AM EDT Apr 22, 2015

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Sure the microwave is quick, convenient, and easy, but that doesn't mean you can throw just anything into it. Check out these things that you should avoid putting in the microwave.